Make Toronto Your Winter Wonderland

There are those among us who don’t hunker down and hide from the Toronto winter. Rather, we embrace the chill, the frost and the snow with Griswoldian passion, taking on this sub-zero season in all its toe-numbing glory. If you’re like us, you’re always on the lookout for things to do in Toronto this winter to warm the cockles of your activity-starved heart.

Search no further! Here are some of the best ways to spend your Toronto winter.

Winterlicious

Hundreds of eateries across Toronto take part in this celebration of the culinary landscape of the city. Happening from January 25 to February 7, this Toronto winter event will drag you out of the seasonal blues, tastebuds first. Featuring new taste sensations and fixe prix specials, Winterlicious is a must-attend winter event for any foodie. If there’s a great Toronto restaurant you’ve been waiting to try, chances are, they’re part of Winterlicious.

Winter Craft Beer Festival

No winter in Toronto would be complete without swinging on by the Winter Craft Beer Festival. Hosted by yours truly and held at The Roundhouse on January 26th, the Winter Craft Beer Festival is everything every craft beer enthusiasts needs to warm up their spirits this season. Never been? Think of an Alpine Ski Lodge circa 1976, but with the brews you love today. The atmosphere is warm, the food, delicious and the beer? Oh, you know that’s good.

Winter Light Festival

Bust through the winter blahs with some serious illumination, courtesy of the Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District. Running January 28 to March 3, this beatific spectacle features a breathtaking, pupil-shrinking maze of large-scale installations from artists from around the world.

Progress Festival

Celebrate achievements and strides toward a better, brighter future at the Progress Festival. Taking place from January 30 to February 17, this artistic awakening shakes the snow off our minds with artistic works that engage, open discussion and challenge.

Icefest

Ever seen over 70,000 pounds of ice in one place? Now’s your chance. Icefest is on again this year and returning to Bloor-Yorkdale Village on the weekend of February 9th and 10th to celebrate frozen H2O in all its glory. Oh, and that 70,000 pounds of ice? That’s there, just waiting for you to carve it. There’s also food and drinks, and in case you needed an altruistic reason to have a good time, proceeds support the Heart & Stroke Foundation. So if you’re looking for a Toronto winter activity that’ll make a difference, Icefest is a solid pick.

Toronto Black Film Festival

Celebrate, educate and reflect during Black History Month this February by checking out the Toronto Black Film Festival. Running from February 13 to February 18, this exceptional event gives voice to exceptional and unique voices in cinema, while also giving power and shedding light on Black perspectives from around the world.

Canadian International Auto Show

Get your rear in gear and head over to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. From February 15 to 24, this Toronto winter event is for car lovers in our fair city and beyond. See the latest makes and models, as well as cutting-edge innovations. Check out some classic beauts while you’re at it, cause retro rides are always in style.

This is by no means a definitive list of things to do in Toronto this winter, but it includes many of the seasonal highlights of the 6. Now don your fuzziest mittens and pom-pom toque, and get out there. The air is crisp, the weather fine, and the winter awaits!